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  4. Kainic acid

Kainic acid is a potent excitotoxic agent. Kainic acid hydrate also is an agonist for a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptor. Kainic acid induces seizures.

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CAS No. : 487-79-6

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Customer Review

Based on 35 publication(s) in Google Scholar

Other Forms of Kainic acid:

Top Publications Citing Use of Products

35 Publications Citing Use of MCE Kainic acid

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IHC
Bio/Physico-chemical Assay
RT-PCR

    Kainic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Nat Neurosci. 2025 Jul;28(7):1404-1417.  [Abstract]

    Kainic Acid (KA, i.p., 24 mg/kg, single dose in mouse model of TLE) administration markedly increased microglial calcium signal in both brain regions.

    Kainic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Adv Sci (Weinh). 2025 Aug 29:e08161.  [Abstract]

    ROCK2 inhibition reversed KA (50 μM)-induced suppression of mitophagy, suggesting mitochondrial normalization.

    Kainic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Nanobiotechnology. 2025 May 5;23(1):332.  [Abstract]

    In the TFP@A-treated group, the number and duration of GS were significantly reduced by the second day of Kainic acid (KA, 0.5 mg/mL, 0.5 µL) treatment, with antiepileptic effects lasting until the third day

    Kainic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Transl Psychiatry. 2025 May 17;15(1):172.  [Abstract]

    KA treatment: Lidocaine (3%) and KA (2 mg/mL) were infused bilaterally into the LC via delivery cannulas connected to the cannula drug delivery system in a 0.2 μL volume per side at a rate of 0.1 μL/10 s 30 min after training. Pharmacological inhibition of the LC reduced conditioned fear memory in mice, whereas activation of the LC reversed the SGB-induced reduction in conditioned fear memory [n = 8, F (3, 28) = 53.26, P < 0.0001; NS + Vehicle vs. NS + Lid, n = 8, P < 0.0001; SGB + Vehicle vs. SGB + KA, n = 8, P < 0.0001].

    Kainic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Nat Neurosci. 2023 Apr;26(4):542-554.  [Abstract]

    At the chronic stage (21 d after i.p., 24 mg/kg KA injection), both PLIN2/BD493 staining and electron microscopy of mouse hippocampus showed accumulation of LDs in neurons and astrocytes but not in microglia or oligodendrocytes.

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    Description

    Kainic acid is a potent excitotoxic agent. Kainic acid hydrate also is an agonist for a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptor. Kainic acid induces seizures[1][2].

    Cellular Effect
    Cell Line Type Value Description References
    HEK293 EC50
    0.7 μM
    Compound: 3
    Effective concentration against human GluR6 expressed in HEK293 cells
    Effective concentration against human GluR6 expressed in HEK293 cells
    [PMID: 10821708]
    HEK293 EC50
    0.7 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Compound was tested for agonistic activity at Glutamate receptor 6 using HEK293 cells
    Compound was tested for agonistic activity at Glutamate receptor 6 using HEK293 cells
    [PMID: 10969973]
    HEK293 EC50
    1.8 μM
    Compound: 1, KA
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluR6(Q) RNA-edited isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as increase in intracellular calcium level by Fluo-4/AM assay
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluR6(Q) RNA-edited isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as increase in intracellular calcium level by Fluo-4/AM assay
    [PMID: 19588945]
    HEK293 EC50
    12 μM
    Compound: 3
    Effective concentration required for evoking response in HEK293 cell
    Effective concentration required for evoking response in HEK293 cell
    [PMID: 10821708]
    HEK293 EC50
    16.2 μM
    Compound: 3
    Effective concentration against GluR5 expressed in HEK293 cells
    Effective concentration against GluR5 expressed in HEK293 cells
    [PMID: 10821708]
    HEK293 EC50
    16.2 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Compound was tested for agonistic activity at Glutamate receptor 5 using HEK293 cells
    Compound was tested for agonistic activity at Glutamate receptor 5 using HEK293 cells
    [PMID: 10969973]
    HEK293 EC50
    23 μM
    Compound: 1, KA
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluR1 flip isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as increase in intracellular calcium level by Fluo-4/AM assay
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluR1 flip isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as increase in intracellular calcium level by Fluo-4/AM assay
    [PMID: 19588945]
    HEK293 EC50
    23 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluA1 receptor flip isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as effect on cyclothiazide-induced calcium flux by Fluo-4/AM staining-based fluorescence assay
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluA1 receptor flip isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as effect on cyclothiazide-induced calcium flux by Fluo-4/AM staining-based fluorescence assay
    [PMID: 20096591]
    HEK293 EC50
    37 μM
    Compound: 1, KA
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluR5(Q) RNA-edited isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as increase in intracellular calcium level by Fluo-4/AM assay
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluR5(Q) RNA-edited isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as increase in intracellular calcium level by Fluo-4/AM assay
    [PMID: 19588945]
    HEK293 EC50
    380 μM
    Compound: 1, KA
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluR2(Q) RNA-edited isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as increase in intracellular calcium level by Fluo-4/AM assay
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluR2(Q) RNA-edited isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as increase in intracellular calcium level by Fluo-4/AM assay
    [PMID: 19588945]
    HEK293 EC50
    380 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluA2 receptor flip isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as effect on cyclothiazide-induced calcium flux by Fluo-4/AM staining-based fluorescence assay
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluA2 receptor flip isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as effect on cyclothiazide-induced calcium flux by Fluo-4/AM staining-based fluorescence assay
    [PMID: 20096591]
    HEK293 EC50
    40 μM
    Compound: 1, KA
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluR3 flip isomer expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as increase in intracellular calcium level by Fluo-4/AM assay
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluR3 flip isomer expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as increase in intracellular calcium level by Fluo-4/AM assay
    [PMID: 19588945]
    HEK293 EC50
    40 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluA3 receptor flip isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as effect on cyclothiazide-induced calcium flux by Fluo-4/AM staining-based fluorescence assay
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluA3 receptor flip isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as effect on cyclothiazide-induced calcium flux by Fluo-4/AM staining-based fluorescence assay
    [PMID: 20096591]
    HEK293 EC50
    47 μM
    Compound: 1, KA
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluR4 flip isomer expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as increase in intracellular calcium level by Fluo-4/AM assay
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluR4 flip isomer expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as increase in intracellular calcium level by Fluo-4/AM assay
    [PMID: 19588945]
    HEK293 EC50
    47 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluA4 receptor flip isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as effect on cyclothiazide-induced calcium flux by Fluo-4/AM staining-based fluorescence assay
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluA4 receptor flip isoform expressed in HEK293 cells assessed as effect on cyclothiazide-induced calcium flux by Fluo-4/AM staining-based fluorescence assay
    [PMID: 20096591]
    Neuron EC50
    17.3 μM
    Compound: kainate
    Excitotoxicity against C57BL/6N mouse hippocampal neurons after 48 hrs by MTT assay
    Excitotoxicity against C57BL/6N mouse hippocampal neurons after 48 hrs by MTT assay
    [PMID: 18083036]
    Oocyte EC50
    10.57 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA2 receptor flop isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes co-expressing gamma2-TARP
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA2 receptor flop isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes co-expressing gamma2-TARP
    [PMID: 20096591]
    Oocyte EC50
    26.61 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA3 receptor flop isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes co-expressing gamma2-TARP
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA3 receptor flop isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes co-expressing gamma2-TARP
    [PMID: 20096591]
    Oocyte EC50
    27 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluA1 receptor flop isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluA1 receptor flop isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes
    [PMID: 20096591]
    Oocyte EC50
    29.06 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA4 receptor flop isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes co-expressing gamma2-TARP
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA4 receptor flop isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes co-expressing gamma2-TARP
    [PMID: 20096591]
    Oocyte EC50
    31 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluA3 receptor flop isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes
    Agonist activity at rat recombinant GluA3 receptor flop isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes
    [PMID: 20096591]
    Oocyte EC50
    57.5 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA1A2 receptor flip isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA1A2 receptor flip isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes
    [PMID: 20096591]
    Oocyte EC50
    60 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA1 receptor flop isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA1 receptor flop isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes
    [PMID: 20096591]
    Oocyte EC50
    64.6 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA2A4 receptor flip isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA2A4 receptor flip isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes
    [PMID: 20096591]
    Oocyte EC50
    7.51 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA1 receptor flip isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes co-expressing gamma2-TARP
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA1 receptor flip isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes co-expressing gamma2-TARP
    [PMID: 20096591]
    Oocyte EC50
    73 μM
    Compound: Kainate
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA1 receptor flip isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes
    Agonist activity at recombinant GluA1 receptor flip isoform expressed in Xenopus oocytes
    [PMID: 20096591]
    In Vivo

    Note:
    Please do not refer to only one article to determine the experimental conditions. It is recommended to determine the optimal experimental conditions (animal strain, age, dosage, frequency and cycle, detection time and indicators, etc.) through preliminary experiments before the formal experiment.

    Kainic acid-induced epilepsy model is an effective tool for studying temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and can be administered systemically, into the hippocampus, or amygdala, and is reproducible in various animal models. The systemic Kainic acid model closely resembles human TLE. When Kainic acid (5 nM) is injected into the neostriatum, substantia nigra, or cerebellum, over half of the compound disappears from the injection site and brain within 0.5 hours, with radioactivity detected in other brain regions at concentrations below 7 pM/mg tissue[3][4][6].

    1. Induction of epilepsy model in mouse[5]
    Background
    Kainic acid, an analog of L-glutamate and an ionotropic KA receptor agonist, can damage hippocampal pyramidal neurons.
    Specific Modeling Methods
    Mice: C57BL/6J • male • 7 weeks old • 22 g body weight
    Administration: 10 μg in 5 μL • i.c.v.
    Note
    (1) The right lateral brain ventricle is localized with a stereotactic instrument.
    (2) After the operation, skin was sutured, and keep the mice under a warming place until they wake up.
    (3) 48 hours after lateral ventricle injection, the mice are anaesthetized using Isoflurane and then sequentially intracardially perfused with saline and PFA (4%, 30 mL). Rapidly remove The mouse brain processed for paraffin embedding or frozen sections.
    Modeling Indicators
    Electroencephalogram (EEG) recording: Had higher local maximal amplitude and reduced spike frequency compared to the control group.
    Histology analysis: Showed Triangulated pyknotic nuclei and cytoplasmic shrinkage in the hippocampal neuron, and induced neuronal loss.
    Opposite Product(s): Sitagliptin (HY-13749)

    2. Induction of epilepsy model in rats[6]
    Background
    Kainic acid can bind to NMDA receptors which are abundant in neurons in the cornu ammonus of the hippocampus, amygdala, and pyriform cortex, and leading to variable levels of neuronal death in these regions.
    Specific Modeling Methods
    Rat: Sprague-Dawley rats • male
    Administration: 10 mg/kg • i.p. • a single dose
    Note
    (1) Seizures occurres approximately 45 min after injection, typically lasted 2-3 hr.
    (2) Kainic acid-treated animals may die during an acute period of intoxication, it's suggested to increase the number of animals per group.
    (3) 72 hours later, the rats are anesthetized and immediately perfused transcardially with 50 mL 0.9% saline followed by 500 mL 0.1 m neutral phosphate-buffered formaldehyde (4%). And remove the brain and postfixed at 4°C overnight in the same fixative and dehydrated, embedded in paraffin, and cut into serial 6-μm-thick coronal sections at the level of the dorsal hippocampus.
    Modeling Indicators
    behavioral changes: Exhibited immobility and rigid postures firstly, followed by repetitive head nodding, ‘wet dog shakes’, and subsequent rearing and falling. Eventually, the rats developed generalized tonic-clonic seizures with continuous convulsions, lasting for several hours.
    Histology analysis: Resulted in a loss of pyramidal neurons in fields CA1 and CA3 of the hippocampus.
    Increaseed the size, arborization, and stainability of GFAP-immunoreactive cells.
    Opposite Product(s): Melatonin (HY-B0075)

    MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

    Animal Model: 8 weeks, 200-250 g male adult Wistar rats[1]
    Dosage: 5 mg/kg
    Administration: I.p.; hourly at least 3 h until status epilepticus
    Result: Induced seizures in rats.
    Molecular Weight

    213.23

    Formula

    C10H15NO4

    CAS No.
    Appearance

    Solid

    Color

    White to off-white

    SMILES

    O=C(O)C[C@@H]1[C@@H](C(O)=O)NC[C@@H]1C(C)=C

    Structure Classification
    Initial Source
    Shipping

    Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.

    Storage
    Powder -20°C 3 years
    4°C 2 years
    In solvent -80°C 6 months
    -20°C 1 month
    Solvent & Solubility
    In Vitro: 

    DMSO : 40 mg/mL (187.59 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)

    H2O : 10 mg/mL (46.90 mM; ultrasonic and warming and heat to 60°C)

    Preparing
    Stock Solutions
    Concentration Solvent Mass 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg
    1 mM 4.6898 mL 23.4489 mL 46.8977 mL
    5 mM 0.9380 mL 4.6898 mL 9.3795 mL
    View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

    * Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
    Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

    * Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.

    • Molarity Calculator

    • Dilution Calculator

    Mass (g) = Concentration (mol/L) × Volume (L) × Molecular Weight (g/mol)

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    Concentration (start) × Volume (start) = Concentration (final) × Volume (final)

    This equation is commonly abbreviated as: C1V1 = C2V2

    Concentration (start)

    C1

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    V1

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    In Vivo:

    Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.

    For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
    To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for in vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
    The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

    • Protocol 1

      Add each solvent one by one:  10% DMSO    40% PEG300    5% Tween-80    45% Saline

      Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (11.72 mM); Clear solution

      This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

      Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.

      Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.
    • Protocol 2

      Add each solvent one by one:  10% DMSO    90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)

      Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (11.72 mM); Clear solution

      This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

      Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.

      Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C, storage for one week): 2 g SBE-β-CD powder is dissolved in 10 mL Saline, completely dissolve until clear.
    In Vivo Dissolution Calculator
    Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:

    Dosage

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    (per animal)

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    μL

    Number of animals

    Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.
    Please enter your animal formula composition:
    %
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    Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
    The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).
    Calculation results:
    Working solution concentration: mg/mL
    Method for preparing stock solution: mg drug dissolved in μL  DMSO (Stock solution concentration: mg/mL).
    The concentration of the stock solution you require exceeds the measured solubility. The following solution is for reference only. If necessary, please contact MedChemExpress (MCE).
    Method for preparing in vivo working solution for animal experiments: Take μL DMSO stock solution, add μL . μL , mix evenly, next add μL Tween 80, mix evenly, then add μL Saline.
     If the continuous dosing period exceeds half a month, please choose this protocol carefully.
    Please ensure that the stock solution in the first step is dissolved to a clear state, and add co-solvents in sequence. You can use ultrasonic heating (ultrasonic cleaner, recommended frequency 20-40 kHz), vortexing, etc. to assist dissolution.
    Purity & Documentation

    Purity: 99.96%

    References

    Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

    * Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
    Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

    Optional Solvent Concentration Solvent Mass 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg 25 mg
    H2O / DMSO 1 mM 4.6898 mL 23.4489 mL 46.8977 mL 117.2443 mL
    5 mM 0.9380 mL 4.6898 mL 9.3795 mL 23.4489 mL
    10 mM 0.4690 mL 2.3449 mL 4.6898 mL 11.7244 mL
    15 mM 0.3127 mL 1.5633 mL 3.1265 mL 7.8163 mL
    20 mM 0.2345 mL 1.1724 mL 2.3449 mL 5.8622 mL
    25 mM 0.1876 mL 0.9380 mL 1.8759 mL 4.6898 mL
    30 mM 0.1563 mL 0.7816 mL 1.5633 mL 3.9081 mL
    40 mM 0.1172 mL 0.5862 mL 1.1724 mL 2.9311 mL
    DMSO 50 mM 0.0938 mL 0.4690 mL 0.9380 mL 2.3449 mL
    60 mM 0.0782 mL 0.3908 mL 0.7816 mL 1.9541 mL
    80 mM 0.0586 mL 0.2931 mL 0.5862 mL 1.4656 mL
    100 mM 0.0469 mL 0.2345 mL 0.4690 mL 1.1724 mL

    * Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.

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    Product Name:
    Kainic acid
    Cat. No.:
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